I have been diagnosed with pcos and on metformin for one year now. I noticed immediately that my hair quit falling out and breaking off on the sides and started to grow pretty well.
I went from cheek length curly to my bangs down to my chin(curly) and the rest to my shoulder; although I recently got a devacut and it's a bit shorter.
As for the facial hair, before I knew about the pcos I'd get it waxed all the time, along with my eyebrows and wolverine style cheek hair. Now I do it myself to deal with it. I use a eyebrow razor and tweezers. Most people don't recommend doing this because the hair come back more and thicker, but it's cheaper and the hair is gonna come back anyway.
Eventually I may try laser hair removal.

I also hae been diagnosed with PCOs, but put on spironolactone 100 mg. day. It's only been 3 1/2 months, but I havne't noticed less hair where I don't want it. When I started taking it at first, I noticed less shedding (but lots of little hairs), now going into the fourth month, less little hairs and again lots of shedding 130per day/average. Does anyone know if the spinolactone could be the culprit for the increase in shedding, although it's supposed to be the opposite effect. I too, wonder if I need more low-poos due to the extra sebum (that leaves a smell) maybe every other day. Anyone think that would be ok??? No sulfates, but some cleaning agens?? Would CJ daily fix cleansing conditioner do the job???

I have been battling PCOS for just over 20 years and some aspects of this battle have proven to be more challenging than others, including hair loss. I have what is considered "classic PCOS" and deal with pretty much everything PCOS can throw your way. I have gotten pretty savvy and learned to outwit many PCOS related problems.

Since wearing my naturally curly, the hair loss has improved dramatically! I only use Intelligent Nutrients products, which not only make my hair look great, but also feed and replenish. I have to use shampoo regularly because of the oil problem, but now that I have stopped trying to straighten my hair it looks much better. Since using the Harmonics line by Intelligent Nutrients, my hair is super healthy, with almost no frizz.

I would recommend taking a good quality B-Complex multi vitamin, Iodine suppplements, and NAC, as well as saw palmetto supplements daily. These have all helped me substantially.

I was recently diagnosed (like today)
i had some thinning and getting the hair to grow in the crown is getting better. i mean it's thickening but slowly growing out . I am wondering how you guys deal with it and your hair.
I am not sure what the future of it holds with this since i am afraid of having some infertility/fertility part of it.

Last Relaxer-March 2011BC- 7-11-2011 When you get the choice to sit out or dance, I hope you dance <3

Hair Type: ?
Tons of whirls and curls and coils on my head. My hair's sometimes my best friend and other times we're at odds. But either way it's curls to the end. No need for a relaxer cause there's no reason to stress, my tresses are at their best

I just wanted to jump into this thread as I have PCOS as well...I was wondering the same thing re: the no poo method as I am new to this site. I have just started with Devacare Low Poo as I deal with oily scalp after a day or so and it seems to be ok so far (it's only been a week). I personally as a PCOSer who deals with the oily skin symptom would do the low poo as opposed to no poo but i think it also depends upon your hair type as well and how dry it is or isn't. I went through a period in my mid 20s (im in my late 20s now) where i felt my hair was starting to thin out and chopped it off to my chin to compensate. I was put on Metformin and back on Birth control soon after and it did help a lot with hair regrowth. The biggest thing with PCOS and hair loss is to watch your diet (reduce sugar/carb) intake and make sure to exercise. I truly know some days are easier than others as i struggle some days but it does in fact help! If things are really bad and you aren't on meds (anyone reading this) do consider taking the recommended meds--metformin for the root of the problem (thought to be insulin resistance--our cells dont use insulin properly so our body overcompensates and produces more insulin leading to a chain reaction where our bodies produce too much testosterone leading to acne, hair loss, and hair in places you dont want)...Birth control helps to lessen symptoms but only while you're on it...And spirolactone (sp?) is actually a med originally for blood pressure i believe but is prescribed to help lower testosterone which would help hair regrowth in the scalp and reduction of hair in other places you dont want...I kind of went off on a tangent but hope this helps!
As of now as an oily scalp gal im sticking with low poo but let me know if any gals with the same problem and pcos are doing well with no poo! Good luck all and stay strong!

Yes I'm on spironolactone for about 5 months. Haven't seen if it's helping much yet, though. The testosterone level has dropped, but yet to see if it's helping. I need to watch the carbs, I know, but it's hard because I'm also very thin and want to gain weight, and on a PCOS diet, it's hard to do!! Stress is my major issue. too bad we have this problem, eh? But for all of you who lowpoo, how often do you do it?? I go to the gym so I feel the need to wet my hair daily, but lowpoo daily, don't think so!! Also, I need a low poo with no protein. Otherwise I get build up. I dno't think I have oily skin, I tend to be dry. At least it's not oily enough for me to see it. b ut I get the breakouts anyway. I'd like to know your weekly routine, to see how much you all lowpoo. I have had some hairthinning, less volume, and I'm scared that it's AGA from the PCOS, but to hear that you got on meds and got better hair growth, makes me think i'ts not a balding thing that's permanent.

Yes I'm on spironolactone for about 5 months. Haven't seen if it's helping much yet, though. The testosterone level has dropped, but yet to see if it's helping. I need to watch the carbs, I know, but it's hard because I'm also very thin and want to gain weight, and on a PCOS diet, it's hard to do!! Stress is my major issue. too bad we have this problem, eh? But for all of you who lowpoo, how often do you do it?? I go to the gym so I feel the need to wet my hair daily, but lowpoo daily, don't think so!! Also, I need a low poo with no protein. Otherwise I get build up. I dno't think I have oily skin, I tend to be dry. At least it's not oily enough for me to see it. b ut I get the breakouts anyway. I'd like to know your weekly routine, to see how much you all lowpoo. I have had some hairthinning, less volume, and I'm scared that it's AGA from the PCOS, but to hear that you got on meds and got better hair growth, makes me think i'ts not a balding thing that's permanent.

Originally Posted by mamaherrera

Well it isnt that you have to have no carbs, just makre sure they aren't refined/processed--just whole grains...quinoa is a great grain that has protein in it instead of white rice, brown rice is good, whole grain pasta intead of white, 100% whole grain breads instead of whites...just dont overdo the processed stuff...it is hard though thin or not...Im not a thin pcos-er but not heavy either...been able to maintain but im always just 10 or 12 lbs over what i should really be its a pain, even with healthier eating and working out ugh...Im surprised the spiro hasnt helped yet but maybe it takes time...or maybe your body isnt responding to it...have they suggested metformin or birth control to you when all else fails? A lot of people are opposed to birth control especially if they want to go the natural route which i understand but as long as i am not trying to conceive right now it does help with the symptoms while im on...low dose BC. The met has helped a lot too and im only on a lower dose right now but that is a hard med to take. I have to wash every other day even on this low poo routine so far but I wonder what the other gals will say? Hang in there I believe if you catch the hair loss early enough and maintain the disorder you can regrow some. Also always have your thyroid checked when hair loss is an issue as well.

Oh and also if you are into vitamins...andrew lessman who sells on home shopping network (HSN.com) has these great hair skin and nail vitamins that made my hair grow twice as fast! I wasnt taking it when my hair was thinning at one point but i still find it promising that it made the hair grow faster...it may be worth checking out.

Yes I'm on spironolactone for about 5 months. Haven't seen if it's helping much yet, though. The testosterone level has dropped, but yet to see if it's helping. I need to watch the carbs, I know, but it's hard because I'm also very thin and want to gain weight, and on a PCOS diet, it's hard to do!! Stress is my major issue. too bad we have this problem, eh? But for all of you who lowpoo, how often do you do it?? I go to the gym so I feel the need to wet my hair daily, but lowpoo daily, don't think so!! Also, I need a low poo with no protein. Otherwise I get build up. I dno't think I have oily skin, I tend to be dry. At least it's not oily enough for me to see it. b ut I get the breakouts anyway. I'd like to know your weekly routine, to see how much you all lowpoo. I have had some hairthinning, less volume, and I'm scared that it's AGA from the PCOS, but to hear that you got on meds and got better hair growth, makes me think i'ts not a balding thing that's permanent.

Originally Posted by mamaherrera

Well it isnt that you have to have no carbs, just makre sure they aren't refined/processed--just whole grains...quinoa is a great grain that has protein in it instead of white rice, brown rice is good, whole grain pasta intead of white, 100% whole grain breads instead of whites...just dont overdo the processed stuff...it is hard though thin or not...Im not a thin pcos-er but not heavy either...been able to maintain but im always just 10 or 12 lbs over what i should really be its a pain, even with healthier eating and working out ugh...Im surprised the spiro hasnt helped yet but maybe it takes time...or maybe your body isnt responding to it...have they suggested metformin or birth control to you when all else fails? A lot of people are opposed to birth control especially if they want to go the natural route which i understand but as long as i am not trying to conceive right now it does help with the symptoms while im on...low dose BC. The met has helped a lot too and im only on a lower dose right now but that is a hard med to take. I have to wash every other day even on this low poo routine so far but I wonder what the other gals will say? Hang in there I believe if you catch the hair loss early enough and maintain the disorder you can regrow some. Also always have your thyroid checked when hair loss is an issue as well.

Originally Posted by CurlyQ82

But...some of us cannot eat carbs in the form of grains and sugars at all. I though that "whole grains" were going to be a a healthy choice for me but my weight and all my PCOS symptoms stayed the same. Grains are not essential so it was easy for me to eliminate them and substitute grains for more veggies in meals and that made all the difference in the world for me.

But that's just me. Everyone has to find their own way. It took me a while to realize that grains and sugars were killing me.

Yes I'm on spironolactone for about 5 months. Haven't seen if it's helping much yet, though. The testosterone level has dropped, but yet to see if it's helping. I need to watch the carbs, I know, but it's hard because I'm also very thin and want to gain weight, and on a PCOS diet, it's hard to do!! Stress is my major issue. too bad we have this problem, eh? But for all of you who lowpoo, how often do you do it?? I go to the gym so I feel the need to wet my hair daily, but lowpoo daily, don't think so!! Also, I need a low poo with no protein. Otherwise I get build up. I dno't think I have oily skin, I tend to be dry. At least it's not oily enough for me to see it. b ut I get the breakouts anyway. I'd like to know your weekly routine, to see how much you all lowpoo. I have had some hairthinning, less volume, and I'm scared that it's AGA from the PCOS, but to hear that you got on meds and got better hair growth, makes me think i'ts not a balding thing that's permanent.

Originally Posted by mamaherrera

Well it isnt that you have to have no carbs, just makre sure they aren't refined/processed--just whole grains...quinoa is a great grain that has protein in it instead of white rice, brown rice is good, whole grain pasta intead of white, 100% whole grain breads instead of whites...just dont overdo the processed stuff...it is hard though thin or not...Im not a thin pcos-er but not heavy either...been able to maintain but im always just 10 or 12 lbs over what i should really be its a pain, even with healthier eating and working out ugh...Im surprised the spiro hasnt helped yet but maybe it takes time...or maybe your body isnt responding to it...have they suggested metformin or birth control to you when all else fails? A lot of people are opposed to birth control especially if they want to go the natural route which i understand but as long as i am not trying to conceive right now it does help with the symptoms while im on...low dose BC. The met has helped a lot too and im only on a lower dose right now but that is a hard med to take. I have to wash every other day even on this low poo routine so far but I wonder what the other gals will say? Hang in there I believe if you catch the hair loss early enough and maintain the disorder you can regrow some. Also always have your thyroid checked when hair loss is an issue as well.

Originally Posted by CurlyQ82

But...some of us cannot eat carbs in the form of grains and sugars at all. I though that "whole grains" were going to be a a healthy choice for me but my weight and all my PCOS symptoms stayed the same. Grains are not essential so it was easy for me to eliminate them and substitute grains for more veggies in meals and that made all the difference in the world for me.

But that's just me. Everyone has to find their own way. It took me a while to realize that grains and sugars were killing me.

Originally Posted by greenandchic

Green you definitely have a point. Everyone's body is different and they just dont know enough about PCOS. Some PCOSers need to cut more or cut out grains completely. I actually am looking to cut out grains completely myself. My friend has brought up this "Primal diet" that is out there and it says we don't need grains, sugars or legumes and to focus mainly on lean proteins, veggies, fruits, nuts and seeds basically...Have you heard of it? How long have you been off grains?
Glad you found something that works for you as this disorder is frustrating!

Wow
Well you all impress on those diets with no legumes and no grains. My husband would kill me if he saw me eat like that thinking I"m anorexic. That must be totally hard. It's so hard to tell, because it's not just diet that affects all teh symptoms, but stress as well, so I can't tell when I get my symptoms if it's more the stress or the diet or lack of sleep, they all come into play. Hard finding doctors that know much more than me and that care at all. They're just waiting until we get diabetes or something so they can put us on meds.

Well it isnt that you have to have no carbs, just makre sure they aren't refined/processed--just whole grains...quinoa is a great grain that has protein in it instead of white rice, brown rice is good, whole grain pasta intead of white, 100% whole grain breads instead of whites...just dont overdo the processed stuff...it is hard though thin or not...Im not a thin pcos-er but not heavy either...been able to maintain but im always just 10 or 12 lbs over what i should really be its a pain, even with healthier eating and working out ugh...Im surprised the spiro hasnt helped yet but maybe it takes time...or maybe your body isnt responding to it...have they suggested metformin or birth control to you when all else fails? A lot of people are opposed to birth control especially if they want to go the natural route which i understand but as long as i am not trying to conceive right now it does help with the symptoms while im on...low dose BC. The met has helped a lot too and im only on a lower dose right now but that is a hard med to take. I have to wash every other day even on this low poo routine so far but I wonder what the other gals will say? Hang in there I believe if you catch the hair loss early enough and maintain the disorder you can regrow some. Also always have your thyroid checked when hair loss is an issue as well.

Originally Posted by CurlyQ82

But...some of us cannot eat carbs in the form of grains and sugars at all. I though that "whole grains" were going to be a a healthy choice for me but my weight and all my PCOS symptoms stayed the same. Grains are not essential so it was easy for me to eliminate them and substitute grains for more veggies in meals and that made all the difference in the world for me.

But that's just me. Everyone has to find their own way. It took me a while to realize that grains and sugars were killing me.

Originally Posted by greenandchic

Green you definitely have a point. Everyone's body is different and they just dont know enough about PCOS. Some PCOSers need to cut more or cut out grains completely. I actually am looking to cut out grains completely myself. My friend has brought up this "Primal diet" that is out there and it says we don't need grains, sugars or legumes and to focus mainly on lean proteins, veggies, fruits, nuts and seeds basically...Have you heard of it? How long have you been off grains?
Glad you found something that works for you as this disorder is frustrating!

Originally Posted by CurlyQ82

I do have the book, "The Paleo Diet". I've been eating this way for several years now (about 2008 after doing a raw vegan stint in 2007). I eliminated gluten out of my diet in 2005 - that was the beginning of my healthy diet stage. This was after being diagnosed in 1999/2000.

Unfortunately I'm one of those who have to cut though things out of my diet, but there's so much I can eat at the same time.

Wow
Well you all impress on those diets with no legumes and no grains. My husband would kill me if he saw me eat like that thinking I"m anorexic. That must be totally hard. It's so hard to tell, because it's not just diet that affects all teh symptoms, but stress as well, so I can't tell when I get my symptoms if it's more the stress or the diet or lack of sleep, they all come into play. Hard finding doctors that know much more than me and that care at all. They're just waiting until we get diabetes or something so they can put us on meds.

Originally Posted by mamaherrera

Its hard at first (I think not eating sugar is the hardest), but after a while its a part of your life. I do admit it's easier depending on geography. I'm from California and now live in Portland where there are places I can eat out at and abundant health food stores.

It wasn't something I was able to do overnight - it was months and years in the making for me. It does take a while to find out what's right for you.

But...some of us cannot eat carbs in the form of grains and sugars at all. I though that "whole grains" were going to be a a healthy choice for me but my weight and all my PCOS symptoms stayed the same. Grains are not essential so it was easy for me to eliminate them and substitute grains for more veggies in meals and that made all the difference in the world for me.

But that's just me. Everyone has to find their own way. It took me a while to realize that grains and sugars were killing me.

Originally Posted by greenandchic

Green you definitely have a point. Everyone's body is different and they just dont know enough about PCOS. Some PCOSers need to cut more or cut out grains completely. I actually am looking to cut out grains completely myself. My friend has brought up this "Primal diet" that is out there and it says we don't need grains, sugars or legumes and to focus mainly on lean proteins, veggies, fruits, nuts and seeds basically...Have you heard of it? How long have you been off grains?
Glad you found something that works for you as this disorder is frustrating!

Originally Posted by CurlyQ82

I do have the book, "The Paleo Diet". I've been eating this way for several years now (about 2008 after doing a raw vegan stint in 2007). I eliminated gluten out of my diet in 2005 - that was the beginning of my healthy diet stage. This was after being diagnosed in 1999/2000.

Unfortunately I'm one of those who have to cut though things out of my diet, but there's so much I can eat at the same time.

Wow
Well you all impress on those diets with no legumes and no grains. My husband would kill me if he saw me eat like that thinking I"m anorexic. That must be totally hard. It's so hard to tell, because it's not just diet that affects all teh symptoms, but stress as well, so I can't tell when I get my symptoms if it's more the stress or the diet or lack of sleep, they all come into play. Hard finding doctors that know much more than me and that care at all. They're just waiting until we get diabetes or something so they can put us on meds.

Originally Posted by mamaherrera

Its hard at first (I think not eating sugar is the hardest), but after a while its a part of your life. I do admit it's easier depending on geography. I'm from California and now live in Portland where there are places I can eat out at and abundant health food stores.

It wasn't something I was able to do overnight - it was months and years in the making for me. It does take a while to find out what's right for you.

Originally Posted by greenandchic

Green do you allow yourself a cheat day once a week or once in a while? ive been cutting out grains for 3 days now and i feel a little less bloated but we'll see if the weight loss and energy comes (hopefully!)I give you much credit for sticking to it this long! But once you start seeing a decrease in weight and/or symptoms, it motivates you to go further so I'm hoping for something in the next few weeks...but i think ill have to allow myself a cheat day otherwise itll all fall to the way side :/

Green you definitely have a point. Everyone's body is different and they just dont know enough about PCOS. Some PCOSers need to cut more or cut out grains completely. I actually am looking to cut out grains completely myself. My friend has brought up this "Primal diet" that is out there and it says we don't need grains, sugars or legumes and to focus mainly on lean proteins, veggies, fruits, nuts and seeds basically...Have you heard of it? How long have you been off grains?
Glad you found something that works for you as this disorder is frustrating!

Originally Posted by CurlyQ82

I do have the book, "The Paleo Diet". I've been eating this way for several years now (about 2008 after doing a raw vegan stint in 2007). I eliminated gluten out of my diet in 2005 - that was the beginning of my healthy diet stage. This was after being diagnosed in 1999/2000.

Unfortunately I'm one of those who have to cut though things out of my diet, but there's so much I can eat at the same time.

Wow
Well you all impress on those diets with no legumes and no grains. My husband would kill me if he saw me eat like that thinking I"m anorexic. That must be totally hard. It's so hard to tell, because it's not just diet that affects all teh symptoms, but stress as well, so I can't tell when I get my symptoms if it's more the stress or the diet or lack of sleep, they all come into play. Hard finding doctors that know much more than me and that care at all. They're just waiting until we get diabetes or something so they can put us on meds.

Originally Posted by mamaherrera

Its hard at first (I think not eating sugar is the hardest), but after a while its a part of your life. I do admit it's easier depending on geography. I'm from California and now live in Portland where there are places I can eat out at and abundant health food stores.

It wasn't something I was able to do overnight - it was months and years in the making for me. It does take a while to find out what's right for you.

Originally Posted by greenandchic

Green do you allow yourself a cheat day once a week or once in a while? ive been cutting out grains for 3 days now and i feel a little less bloated but we'll see if the weight loss and energy comes (hopefully!)I give you much credit for sticking to it this long! But once you start seeing a decrease in weight and/or symptoms, it motivates you to go further so I'm hoping for something in the next few weeks...but i think ill have to allow myself a cheat day otherwise itll all fall to the way side :/

Originally Posted by CurlyQ82

Good question!

Yes, I do. My "cheat" is usually a small serving of brown rice (very small) at an Asian restaurant, part of a Sushi rolls, a small gluten free desert, a small amount of potatoes when I go out for breakfast. Note, these are very small servings and very little refined carbs. I work out a lot so I do allow myself *some* amount of carbs. HTH

I do have the book, "The Paleo Diet". I've been eating this way for several years now (about 2008 after doing a raw vegan stint in 2007). I eliminated gluten out of my diet in 2005 - that was the beginning of my healthy diet stage. This was after being diagnosed in 1999/2000.

Unfortunately I'm one of those who have to cut though things out of my diet, but there's so much I can eat at the same time.

Its hard at first (I think not eating sugar is the hardest), but after a while its a part of your life. I do admit it's easier depending on geography. I'm from California and now live in Portland where there are places I can eat out at and abundant health food stores.

It wasn't something I was able to do overnight - it was months and years in the making for me. It does take a while to find out what's right for you.

Originally Posted by greenandchic

Green do you allow yourself a cheat day once a week or once in a while? ive been cutting out grains for 3 days now and i feel a little less bloated but we'll see if the weight loss and energy comes (hopefully!)I give you much credit for sticking to it this long! But once you start seeing a decrease in weight and/or symptoms, it motivates you to go further so I'm hoping for something in the next few weeks...but i think ill have to allow myself a cheat day otherwise itll all fall to the way side :/

Originally Posted by CurlyQ82

Good question!

Yes, I do. My "cheat" is usually a small serving of brown rice (very small) at an Asian restaurant, part of a Sushi rolls, a small gluten free desert, a small amount of potatoes when I go out for breakfast. Note, these are very small servings and very little refined carbs. I work out a lot so I do allow myself *some* amount of carbs. HTH

Originally Posted by greenandchic

Wow you are so good! Even your cheats are good...I love sushi rolls so i think the rice on that once in a while would be a cheat...wow i didnt even hear an ice cream or brownie in there, kudos to u Potatoes with eggs sounds good too when you go to a diner for breakfast--always comes with!...you just watch your portions and frequency when you cheat and try to keep it non processed as much as possible, gotcha...I'm kind of excited about this no grains thing and hoping i can go the distance...praying that it makes a difference...thanks for the info!

That's impressive. I don't think I could do that completely being that my kids and hubbie eat stuff I shouldn't and it's in my face 24/7. But you've made me aware that I need to back off. I've been having a small "cheat" daily, think that was awesome, but you just do it once a week, so there's room for improvement. Does that book have actual menus and stuff with ingredients that aren't improssible to find?

That's impressive. I don't think I could do that completely being that my kids and hubbie eat stuff I shouldn't and it's in my face 24/7. But you've made me aware that I need to back off. I've been having a small "cheat" daily, think that was awesome, but you just do it once a week, so there's room for improvement. Does that book have actual menus and stuff with ingredients that aren't improssible to find?

Originally Posted by mamaherrera

The book does have some menu ideas, but I'm not sure where you're located in terms of ingredients. I've always lived in two of the health food meccas in the US so I don't have other experiences to go by.

The basic premise of what you eat is relatively simple though and I can imagine you can find veggies, certain types of proteins, nuts, seeds, everywhere. I just don't know if you have access to organic produce, non-factory farmed meats, wild fish, etc.